Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-confident-guidance-for-levels-1-2-and-3/level-1-disability-confident-committed

Introduction

The Disability Confident scheme supports employers like you to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to your workplace. The scheme aims to help you successfully recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions. Being Disability Confident is a unique opportunity to lead the way in your community, and you might just discover someone your business cannot do without.

It was developed by employers and disabled people’s representatives to make it rigorous but easily accessible – particularly for smaller businesses.

The scheme is voluntary and access to the guidance, self-assessments and resources is completely free.

2. Communicate and promote vacancies

get advice and support from Jobcentre Plus, Work Programme providers, recruiters and/or your local disabled people’s user led organisations (DPULOs)

review current recruitment processes

3. Offer an interview to disabled people

Encourage applications from disabled people by offering them an interview, if they meet the minimum criteria for the job (this is the description of the job as set by the employer).

The aim of this commitment is to encourage positive action. An employer can take steps to help or encourage certain groups of people with different needs, or who are disadvantaged in some way, to access work or training. Positive action is lawful under the Equality Act 2010.

In times where you need to limit the overall number of interviews, it’s important to select the disabled and non-disabled applicants who best meet the minimum criteria for the job.

4. Anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as required

Make sure disabled workers aren’t seriously disadvantaged when applying for and doing their jobs.

1. Work experience

2. Work trials

This is a way of trying out a potential employee before offering them a job. This can be informal or can be by agreement with Jobcentre Plus. If this is agreed with Jobcentre Plus, an employer can offer a work trial if the job it may lead to is for 16 hours or more a week and lasts for at least 13 weeks. The work trial can last for up to 30 days.

3. Paid employment (permanent or fixed term)

Jobcentre Plus offers a range of recruitment services and guidance that can help you as an employer. For example:

4. Apprenticeships

These are for new and current employees. They combine working with studying for a work-based qualification. If your business is based in England, you could get a grant or funding to employ an apprentice.

5. Job shadowing opportunities

These positions:

offer potential employees experience of a workplace and occupational skills that are different from what they are used to

are usually limited to observation only, are non-paid and do not give direct work experience, responsibility and skills

6. Traineeships

7. Paid internships and supported internships

This is a period of paid work experience lasting between 1 and 4 months, usually taking place during the summer. A supported internship is aimed at disabled people still in education who are seeking work experience.

What happens next?

When you have read this guidance and agreed to the commitments and at least one activity, you will need to sign up as Disability Confident Committed. You need to do this before you can move on to the next stage. You will be asked to:

provide your contact details

agree to the Disability Confident commitments

identify at least one action that you will take

In return we will send you a Disability Confident Committed badge that you can use in your own business stationery and communications for 12 months. We’ll also send you a certificate in recognition of your achievement and information about becoming a Disability Confident Employer (level 2).

Help us improve GOV.UK

Help us improve GOV.UK

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.